Method comprising the use of N-substituted perfluoroalkyanesulfonamides as herbicidal and plant growth modifying agents, and composition

ABSTRACT

N-Substituted perfluoroalkanesulfonamides of the formula:   WHEREIN Rf is a perfluoroalkyl group containing one to four carbon atoms, each Y is a non-cyclic group which can contain only carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen and halogen and m is 1-5, provided that all of the Y groups together contain not more than about twenty carbon atoms and that at least one of the Y groups contains a heteroatom selected from oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen and halogen. Also included are salts of these compounds, compositions containing the compounds of the present invention and processes for their preparation and use. The compounds are active as herbicides and plant growth modifiers.

United States Patent [191 Harrington et a1.

[ METHOD COMPRISING THE USE OF N-SUBSTITUTED PERFLUOROALKYANESULFONAMIDES AS HERBICIDAL AND PLANT GROWTH MODIFYING AGENTS, AND COMPOSITION [75] Inventors: Joseph Kenneth Harrington, Edina;

Donald C. Kvam, North Oaks; Arthur Mendel, Vadnais Heights; Jerry E. Robertson, North Oaks, all of Minn.

[73] Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Co., St. Paul, Minn.

[22] Filed: Apr. 19, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 352,596

Related US. Application Data [60] Continuation-impart of Ser. No, 100,404, Dec 21, 1970, abandoned, which is a division of Ser No. 832,829, June 12, 1969, Pat. No. 3,639,474, which is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 588,338, Oct, 21. 1966, abandoned.

[52] US. Cl. 71/103; 71/76; 71/72;

' 71/78 [51] Int. Cl. ..A01N 9/16 [58] Field of Search 71/78, 103, 76

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,629,332 12/1971 Harrington et a1, 71/103 Nov. 18, 1975 3,637,845 l/l972 Moore et a1. 71/103 X 3,734.710 5/1973 Lukaszczyk et a1. 71/103 3,793,372 2/1974 Gerster 71/103 Primary Examiner-Lewis Gotts Assistant Eraminer-Catherine L. Mills Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Alexander, Sell, Steldt & DeLaHunt ABSTRACT N-Substituted perfluoroalkanesulfonamides of the for mula:

R s0 rm@ wherein R; is a perfluoroalkyl group containing one to four carbon atoms, each Y is a non-cyclic group which can contain only carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen and halogen and m is l-S, provided that all of the Y groups together contain not more than about twenty carbon atoms and that at least one of the Y 6 Claims, No Drawings now abandoned Ser. No. 100,404 being a division of application Ser. No. 832,829 filed June 12, 1969, (now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 3,639,474) Ser. No. 832,829 being, in turn, a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 588,338 filed Oct. 21, 1966 (now abandoned).

The invention relates to Nsubstituted perfluoroalkanesulfonamides which have activity as herbicides and plant growth midifiers.

Perfluoroalkanesulfonamides have been disclosed broadly heretofore (see, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,732,398 and 3,321,445) but there has been no indication of any herbicidal activity of such comounds.

In the N-substituted perfluoroalkanesulfonamides of the present invention, the amide nitrogen substituent is a phenylene ring having from one to five substitutent groups containing only carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen and halogen and at least one of which must contain oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen or halogen. The invention includes salts of the compounds, processes for their preparation, compositions containing them and methods for their use as herbicides, and plant growth modifiers.

It is an object of the invention to provide compounds which modify the growth of plants, i.e. compounds which prevent, alter, destroy or otherwise affect the growth of plants.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a method for controlling unwanted plants.

It is another object of the invention to provide herbicidal compositions containing one or more perfluoroalkanesulfonamides as active ingredients therein.

It is another object of the invention to provide compounds which are active anti-inflammatory agents.

It is a particular object of the invention to provide a method for the control of tobacco suckers which comprises contacting tobacco plants with an effective amount of a perfluoroalkanesulfonamide.

Still other objects of the invention will be made apparent by the following specification.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION According to the present invention there is provided a class of compounds consisting of perfluoroalkanesulfonamides having the general formula:

f llllL-fijl YII 2 amine salts, the amide hydrogen of the formula is replaced by a suitable cation.

The salts of the invention are prepared by treating the acid form (shown in the foregoing formula I) with a stoichiometrically equivalent amount of an appropriate base under mild conditions. Among the metal salts of the invention are alkali metal (e.g. lithium. sodium and potassium). alkaline earth metal (e.g. barium, calcium and magnesium) and heavy metal (e.g. zinc and iron) salts as well as other metal salts such as aluminum. Appropriate bases for use in preparing the metal salts include metal oxides, hydroxides, carbonates, bicarbonates and alkoxides. Some salts are also prepared by transmetallation reactions. The organic amine salts include the salts of aliphatic (e.g. alkyl), aromatic and heterocyclic amines, as well as those having a mixture of these types of structures. The amines useful in preparing the salts of the invention can be primary, sec ondary or tertiary and preferably contain not more than 20 carbon atoms. Such amines include, for example, morpholine, methyl cyclohexylamine, glucosamine, amines derived from fatty acids, dialkanola mines such as diethanolamine, etc. These and the ammonium salts can be prepared by reacting the acid form with the appropriate organic base or ammonium hydroxide. The salts of the invention are frequently formed by reacting the precursors in the aqueous solution. This solution can be evaporated to obtain the salt of the compound as a dry powder. In some cases, it may be more convenient to use a non-aqueous solvent such as alcohols, acetone, etc. Since many of the salts are water soluble, they are often used in the form of aqueous solutions.

Due to the acidity of the hydrogen of the amido group of formula I, the compounds of the invention are catalysts for certain acid-catalyzed polymerizations, e.g. polymerization of epoxides. Many of the compounds of the invention are anti-microbial agents, according to standard test procedures. Also, some of the compounds (including those wherein Y is halogen, nitro, alkoxy and alkanoyl) have been found to possess anti-inflammatory activity in standard screening test procedures using experimental animals.

The heteroatoms in the Y group or groups can be present in substituents including alkyl, alkanoylamido, halo, haloalkyl, nitro, alkoxy, N-alkylcarbamyloxy, alkanoyl semicarbazone, alkylsulfonyl, alkylsulfinyl, alkylthio, amino, alkylamino, alkylsulfamido, hydroxy, hydroxyalkyl, carboalkoxy. sulfamoyl, dialkylamino. carbamyl, alkanoyl, haloalkanoyl, haloalkanoylamido, cyano, aldehydo, alkanoyl oxime, carbamoylmethylamino, haloalkylthio, haloalkylsulfinyl, haloalkylsulfonyl, carboxyalkyl, haloalkoxy, carboalkoxymethylamino, mercapto, alkylsulfonato, haloalkylsulfonato, carboalkoxyamino. alkoxyalkylthio and sulfamoylamino. Thus, as noted previously, Y is noncyclic, i.e. contains no cycles of any kind (either aliphatic or aromatic). Preferably, no single Y group contains more than 6 carbon atoms. Most preferred are compounds in which no single Y group contains more than 4 carbon atoms.

Compounds of the invention may be substituted by lower alkyl groups in addition to heteroatom-containing substituents, i.e. on the aromatic ring.

Preferably, R; in the compounds of the invention is trifluoromethyl. Price is an important consideration in herbicides and such compounds offer more economical utilization of fluorine together with high activity. Preferably also. not more than two of the Y groups are other than halogen.

Another preferred group consists of those compounds in which the Y groups together contain not more than about six carbon atoms. Other preferred groups of the compounds are those in which all of the Y groups are halogen and those in which at least one of the Y groups is alkylthio. alkylsulfinyl, alkylsulfonyl. haloalkyl. sulfamoyl. alkanoylamido. sulfamoylamino. alkoxyalkylthio and carbamyl. Particularly preferred are compounds in which all of the Y groups are selected from halo, alkyl. alkylthio, alkylsulfinyl. alkylsulfonyl. haloalkyl. sulfamoyl. alkanoylamido. sulfamoylamino. alkoxyalkylthio and carbamyl. Finally those compounds in which m is 1-3. particularly in which m is l are preferred.

In order to control unwanted plants, the compounds of the invention can be used alone as herbicides. for example. as dusts or granules of the compounds. or preferably they may be applied in formulations containing the active ingredients in a horticulturally acceptable extending medium. The formulations are comprised of one or more active ingredients and one or more herbicidal adjuvants and/or carriers. Specific formulations are useful to facilitate the application of the compounds and to achieve specific biological objectives such as controlling the availability of the herbicide. improving adherence to plants. and the like, as is well known to those skilled in the art.

The compounds of the invention may be formulated as wettable powders. emulsifiable concentrates. aqueous or nonaqueous solutions and/or suspensions, granules, dusts and the like. Said compounds as such can be finely divided and dispersed or suspended in any of the usual aqueous media. or if appropriate salts are used, a solution may be made. Spreading agents. wetting agents. sticking agents or other adjuvants can be added as desired.

When emulsifiable concentrates are prepared the active ingredient can be present in concentration of about 5 to 60 percent or more. depending upon its solubility. but it has been found that the compounds of this invention are preferably used in a concentration of to percent. The units of concentration are weight per unit weight. When the active ingredients are not in salt form. they are soluble in common organic horticultural solvents such as benzene. toluene. xylene, dichloromethane. chloroform. hexane and heptane or less highly refined aromatic or aliphatic hydrocarbons and mixtures thereof. Examples of these are coal tar fractions. straight run petroleum distillates. thermolytically or catalytically cracked hydrocarbon oil, gas oil. light lubricating oil fractions, kerosene, mineral seal oil. and the like. In appropriate cases. oxygenated solvents such as ketones may be used in or as the carriers. These concentrates can be dispersed in water to permit the use of an aqueous spray. Admixture with a small amount of an organic surface active agent capable of lowering the surface tension of water is preferred, so as to produce more or less stable emulsions.

Examples of surface active agents variously known as dispersing agents, wetting agents or emulsifying agents comprise soft or hard soaps. morpholine or dimethylamine oleate, sulfonated fish, castor and petroleum oils. sodium salts of lignin sulfonic acid. alkylated aromatic sodium sulfonates. such as decylbenzene sodium sulfonate. dodecylbenzene sodium sulfonate. butyl or other amines salts of decyl or dodecylbenzene sulfonic 4 acid. sodium lauryl sulfate. disodium monolauryl phosphate, ethylene oxide condensation products of alkyl phenols, as for example octyl phenol. ethylene oxide condensation products of tall oil and ethylene oxide condensation products of higher alcohols or higher mercaptans. Mixtures of two or more surface active agents are also feasible. Generally, the surface active agent will comprise only a small proportion of the composition. say 0. l-l5 percent by weight of the toxicant.

The formulation of dry compositions for application as granules. dusts or for further dilution with liquid carriers is readily accomplished by mixing the toxicant with a solid carrier. Such solid carriers will be of various sizes from dust to granules. The techniques for such formulations are well known to the art. Suitable carriers include charcoal, talc. clay. pyrophyllite. silicas. fuller's earth, lime, diatomaceous earth, flours such as walnut shell, wheat. soya bean, cottonseed and wood flours. magnesium and calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate and the like. Powders may be granulated by the use of suitable binders such as cellulose derivatives, for example ethyl or carboxymethyl, corn syrup, and the like. The compounds or the above formulations are applied by spraying, spreading. dusting or the like. The rate of application will of course vary, but the more active compounds of the invention exhibit satisfactory control of broadleaf and grass weeds at the application rate of about 1 to 15 pounds per acre. It is of course to be expected that local conditions, for example temperature, humidity, mositure content of the soil. nature of the soil. and the like. may require greater or smaller amounts. Effective resolution of these factors is within the skill of those versed in the herbicidal art. Likewise it is apparent that not all of the compounds included within the scope of the invention have equal activity.

The herbicidal compositions may contain one or more of the herbicidal compounds set out hereinbefore as the sole active species. or they may contain in addition thereto other biologically active substances. Thus insecticides and fungicides may be incorporated in the compositions. Further. if desired. the herbicidal compositions may contain fertilizers. trace metals or the like and when applied directly to the soil may additionally contain nematicides, soil conditioners, plant growth regulators and/or herbicides of similar or different properties.

Presently especially preferred herbicidal compounds of this invention are 2,4-dichlorotrifluoromethanesulfonanilide (Example 3), 2,4-difluorotrifluoromethanesulfonanilide (Example 26). 3-methylthiotrifluoromethanesulfonanilide (Example 42), 2-fluoro-4- chlorotrifluoromethanesulfonanilide (Example 84), 2- chloro-4-fluorotrifluoromethanesulfonanilide (Example 83 4-chlorotrifluoromethanesulfonanilide (Example 1 l and 4-trifluoromethyltrifluoromethanesulfonanilide (Example 19).

The compounds of this invention are broadly active as herbicides. However. many of the compounds of the invention also show various types of plant growth modifying activity. Plant growth modification as defined herein consists of all deviations from natural development. for example. defoliation. stimulation. stunting, retardation, desiccation, tillering. dwarfing. regulation and the like. This plant growth modifying activity is generally observed as the compounds of the invention begin to interfere with certain processes within the plant. If these processes are essential. the plant will die if treated with a sufficient dose of the compound. However, the type of growth modifying activity observed varies among types of plants. lt has been found that with certain compounds of the invention, herbicidal activity can be separated from certain other plant growth modifying activities by controlling the rate of application. Of particular interest is the ability of some compounds of the invention to give tobacco sucker control. This phenomenon is known to the art to be desirable and useful, since the control of tobacco suckers increases the useful yield of the tobacco plant. Acetamido-Z-methyltrifluoromethanesulfonanilide (Example 12) is particularly active in the control of tobacco suckers. These growth regulant compounds have also been found to retard the growth of some plants without significant distortion of the normal foliar shape. This acitivity has been of particular interest when it occurs on grass species. This desirable and useful activity is present in a particularly high degree in 5- acetamido-Z-methyltrifluoromethanesulfonanilide (Example l2) and S-acetamido-2-chlorotrifluoromethanesulfonanilide (Example 164).

Broadly speaking, the compounds of this invention are readily prepared by one or all of the following methods, each of which is illustrated by an equation.

METHOD A RSO l-lN +B R so NH +BH r 2- 2 (a; r 2

where Q is a halogen or perfluoroalkanesulfonate residue, B is an organic or inorganic base and R,, Y and m are as defined above.

A solution of the appropriate primary arylamine and preferred when perfluoroalkanesulfonyl fluorides are used as reactants. These reactions are usually carried out at temperature ranges of 0 to I50 C., but these temperature ranges may be raised or lowered. depending upon the reactants used. Such reactions are most frequently carried out without solvent, or with dimethylformamide or excess triethylamine as solvent. but other advantageous variations are possible.

It will be appreciated that the scope of this invention encompasses starting materials of a wide range of physical and chemical properties. and the synthetic meth-.

ods A, B and C discussed herein are described in general and preferred language. However, a great variation in the use of these synthetic techniques is possible. and this invention is broadly inclusive of such variations.

After completion of the reaction, the product is iso lated by conventional methods. For example, the reaction mixture can be extracted with excess aqueous sodium hydroxide. The aqueous extract is then washed with organic solvents and treated with charcoal to remove impurities. Subsequent acidification of the aqueous extract with mineral acid then affords the product as an oil or solid which is distilled, sublimed. chromatographed or recrystallized as required to give pure prod- METHOD B rsose IDIIIQQ R somn-Efi m an equimolar quantity ofa suitable acid acceptor (such as triethylamine, dimethylaniline, pyridine and the like) in an inert organic solvent is ordinarily used. However, an acid acceptor is not always necessary, and an excess of the primary arylamine may also serve as acid acceptor. Among the suitable solvents are l,2-dimethoxyethane, benzene, chloroform. dichloromethane. dimethylacetarnide, dimethylformamide and the like. Alternatively an excess of the primary arylamine or the 'acid acceptor may serve as a solvent, or the reaction li sogm IQ RrSO-NH Y The reaction of Method A may also be carried out in a high pressure reactor. This technique is particularly where M is an alkali metal and Q. R,. Y and m are as defined above.

An alkali metal salt of the appropriate amine is prepared by any of several conventional methods such as by reaction with sodium naphthalene, a metal hydride such as sodium hydride, alkoxides such as potassium t-butoxide in protic or aprotic solvents, or by reaction wih an alkali metal such as sodium or potassium directly in an appropriate solvent.

The resulting salt is then treated with a perfluoroalkanesulfonyl alkylating agent such as trifluoromethanesulfonyl fluoride or chloride or trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride, either at atmospheric pressure in open apparatus or under pressure in a pressure vessel. The reaction takes place at 0 to C., depending on the reactivity of the amine and the sulfonyl halide. On completion of the reaction, the product is obtained by conventional work-up techniques as described in Method A.

METHOD C R Y and m are as defined above, X is halogen and Z is an alkaline earth or alkali metal. The perfluoroalk- 7 anesulfonamide salt and an appropriate aryl halide are reaoted, generally in a suitable solvent (such as dimethylsulfoxide, dimethylformamide, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, dimethylacetamide and the like). Heating or cooling, usually the former, may be advantageous to obtain a desirable rate of reaction.

After the completion of the reaction the product is isolated by conventional methods. For example, when the reaction mixture is diluted with water the product may precipitate. Alternatively, the product may be extracted from the reaction mixture after dilution with water. Other recovery techniques are well known to those skilled in the art.

The reaction of Method C may also be carried in a high pressure reactor.

Method C is usually most valuable when the aryl halide is activated by suitable electron-withdrawing groups on the ring, as is well known to the art. Suitable aryl halides for use in Method C are well known to the art. as are salts of perfluoroalkanesulfonamides.

Suitable perfluorocarbonsulfonyl anhydrides and halides (e.g. chlorides and fluorides) for use in these procedures are known to the art (thus see US. Pat. No. 2,732,398). Similarly, the amines used in producing the compounds of this invention are described in the general chemical literature or are otherwise known to those skilled in the art. Among the suitable amines are haloanilines, halotoluidines, trifluoromethylanilines, acylanilines. nitroanilines, alkoxyanilines, hydroxy anilines, aminoanilines, acylamidoanilines, alkylthioanilines. alkylsulfinylanilines, alkylsulfonylanilines, aminobenzamides, aminobenzenesulfonamides. and the like. These known compounds contain both mixtures of different substituents and multiplicities of single or mixed substituents.

Methods A, B and C are generally applicable (preferably Method A) to the preparation of compounds of the invention. However, it is sometimes preferable, in order to increase yields and minimize purification problems, to utilize compounds of the invention in conventional. known procedures to prepare other compounds of the invention. Thus, for example, 4-nitrotrifluoromethanesulfonanilide may be reduced easily to 4-aminotrifluoromethanesulfonanilide. and 4-aminotrifluoromethanesulfonanilide may be acetylated readily to give 4-acetamidotrifluoromethanesulfonanilide. A number of such procedures are described briefly in the examples.

Following are detailed examples showing the preparation of compounds of the invention using Methods A, B and C, and a number of examples in table form showing the preparation of the compounds of invention. An example describing the evaluation of representative compounds of the invention as herbicides is also included.

The examples are given for the purpose of further illustrating the procedures of the present invention, but are not intended, in any way, to be limiting on the scope thereof. Thus while the great majority of the examples relate to perfluoromethanesulfonamides, other perfluorocarbon groups can be substituted in place thereof. Also, to avoid unduly multiplying the examples which have been selected to illustrate the invention, the examples will relate for the most part to compounds in the acid form, that is having a hydrogen atom bonded to the amide nitrogen. it is, however, understood that the corresponding salts of the invention are also easily prepared and are likewise contemplated. Such salts,

8 which have a cation bonded to the amide nitrogen, are also useful as herbicides. and in some cases as plant growth modifiers.

EXAMPLE I To a stirred mixture of 4-aminoacetophenone (67.6 g., 0.49 mole), triethylamine (60 g., 0.60 mole) and chloroform (400 ml.) was added trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride (155 g., 0.55 mole), dropwise, with cooling in an ice bath. On completion of the addition, the resulting mixture was extracted several times with 10 percent aqueous sodium hydroxide. The combined aqueous extracts were acidified with concentrated hydrochloric acid and a white solid precipitated. After isolation by filtration, the solid was washed with water and dried to give 4-acetyltrifluoromethanesulfonanilide. Recrystallization from ethanol-water afforded an analytical sample of 4-acetyltrifluoromethanesulfonanilide, m.p. 143145 C. uncorrected.

Analysis: Calculated for C H F NO S: C, 40.3; H, 3.0. Found: C, 40.4; H, 3.2.

EXAMPLE 2 To a stirred mixture of 4-nitroani1ine (13.8 g., 0.10 mole) and triethylamine (11.1 g., 0.11 mole) in dry 1,2-dimethoxyethane (200 ml.) at 05 C. was added trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride (18.3 ml., 0.11 mole) over 1.5 hours. The mixture was allowed to reach room temperature and was then stirred overnight. After pouring into 500 ml. of 10 percent aqueous hydrochloric acid, three chloroform extractions were executed. The combined organic layers were dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated to a residue which was distilled to yield 4-nitrotrifluoromethanesulfonanilide, b.p. 151 C./0.05 mm.

Analysis: Calculated for C-,H F;,O N S: C, 31.1; H, 1.9. Found: C, 31.5; H, 1.8.

EXAMPLE 3 To a stirred solution of 2,4-dichloroaniline (15.2 g., 0.10 mole) and triethylamine (11.1 g., 0.11 mole) in chloroform (200 ml.) at 0-5 C. was added trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride (18.2 ml., ca. 0.11 mole) over 1.5 hours. Stirring was continued at 05 C. for 0.5 hours, then at reflux temperature for one hour. The reaction mixture was cooled, poured into 2 liters of water and extracted three times with chloroform. The combined organic layers were dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated to a residue which was recrystallized from hot hexane to yield pure 2,4- dichlorotrifluoromethanesulfonanilide, m.p. 89.5-90.5 C.

Analysis: Calculated for C H CI F NO S: C, 28.6; H, 1.4. Found: C, 28.7; H, L5.

EXAMPLE 4 Sodium naphthalene was prepared from naphthalene (12.8 g., 0.1 mole), sodium (2.3 g., 0.1g atom) and tetrahydrofuran (200 ml.). Thereafter, 2,4,6-trichloroaniline (19.6 g., 0.1 mole) was added under nitrogen at ice bath temperature.

The resulting brown mixture was transferred (N,) to a nitrogen-purged autoclave and charged with trifluoromethanesulfonyl fluoride (15.2 g., 0.1 mole). The product was heated at 50 C. for 20 hours. Tetrahydrofuran was removed and the black residue was taken up in dichloromethane. The organic mixture was filtered and extracted with cold, dilute potassium hy- -continued Example No. M.P. C.

176 4-fluoro3tritluoromethyltril'luoromethanesulfonanilide (66) 177 z cyanotrifluoromethanesulfonanilide (658.) 178 4-cyanotrifluoromethanesult'onanilide 47- 149 179 3-acetamido-4-methyltrifluoromethanesulfonanilide (67) 140.5-[42 180 2 ,5-dimethoxytrifluoromethanesulfonanilide 63 65 181 3 ,4-diethoxytrifluoromethanesulfonanilide 7232-79-12 182 S-chloro-Z,4-dimethoxytrifluoromethanesulfonanilide 109.5-1 l 1 83 4-mercaptotrifluoromethanesulfonanilide (68) 184 3-tt'ifluoromethyltrifluoromethanesulfonanilide (69) 185 2-acetamido-4-trifluoromethyltrifluoromethanesulfonanilide (70) 93 94 5 186 3chlor0-4-methy!trifluoromethanesulfonanilide 7-60 187 3-amino-4-chlorotrifluoromethanesulfonanilide (71) 84.5-86

(l) Prepared by acetylation of S-amino-2methyltrtfluoromcthanesulfonanilide (the compound of Example 136) with acetic anhydride (2) boiling point l35l4SC./l mm.

[3) Prepared by Method B (4) Prepared by Method B (5) Prepared by Method B to) A red oil. Analysis: Calculated C. 27.6; H. l 3; Found C. 27.9; H, 1.5

(7) Prepared by Method B (8). (9) The synthesis ofthc mercaptosulfonanilide by Method A was followed by oxidation with one equivalent of hydrogen peroxide in acetone.

( lllll (1 l The synthesis ofthe mercaptosulfonanilide using Method A was followed by oxidation with two equivalents of hydrogen peroxide in acetic acid (ill Compound 48 lS-acetyltrifluommethanesulfonanilideI was reduced with sodium borohydride according to the method disclosed tn A l Vogel. "Practical Organic Chemistry". p. lifll. Wiley and Sons. NY. [1956) (13) A colorless liquid. b.p. UPC/(18 mm Analysis. Calculated C. 40.2; H. 3 8, Found: C. 40.2; H. 3.7.

( l4] Compound 2 l4-nitrotrifluoromethancsuli'onanilidel was catalytically reduced using 5'1 palladium on charcoal (Ma) h.p l02 C7045 mm.

[! A clear liquid. Analy.' Calculated C. 44.8; H. 4.l; Found: C. 44.6. H, 4 3

lib) A clear liquid. Ana Calculated C. 48.2. H. 5.0; N, 4 3; Found. C. 4&5; H. 5.0. N. 4.3.

(l7) Prepared by reduction of the compound of Example I42 with Raney nickel and hydrogen (Hat) tip. 95C.)0.07S mm.

I I8) Preferably prepared by the bromination of 4-fluorotrifluoromethanesulfonanilide in an ethanol-water solution of bromine I I9) Prepared from compound 48 (3-acetyltritluoromethanesull'onanilidel by bromination with cupric bromide according to L. C King and C. K Ostrum. J. Org. Chem. 29. 3459 U964).

(20) This compound is prepared from compound 48 (3-acetyltrifluoromethanesulfonanilide) by the method disclosed in R T Shriner. ct al.. "Systematic Identification of Organic Compound" p 2H1. Wiley, NY. (I956) 121) Preferably prepared by chlorination of 4-fluorotril'luoromethanesulfonanilide in acetic acid in the presence of aluminum chloride (22) Preferably prepared by chlorination of 2-fluorotrifluoromcthanesulfonanilide in acetic acid in the presence of aluminum chloride 123) Tan crystals. b.p. 75 R0C.).05 mm. Analysis: Calculated C. 3. H. l.5: N, 5. I. Found C. 29 I; H. l 4. N. 4 7

(24) Prepared by reduction of the compound of Example I38 with Raney nickel 125) Prepared by reduction of the compound of Example it) with Raney nickel and hydrogen followed by acctylatton with acetic anhydride I26) This compound was prepared from compound 48 t3-acetyltrilluoromethanesulfonanilidel by the method disclosed in R. 1 Shrtrter. et al.. Systematic Identification of Organic Compounds", p. 254. Wiley. NY. (1956].

127i Prepared by oxidation of the compound of Example 97 (2-methylthiosull'amoyltrifluoromethanesult'onanilide) with two equivalents of hydrogen peroxide in acetic acid.

(2%) Prepared by reaction of 2.b-dinitro-4-trifluoromethylchlorobenzene with trifluoromcthanesulfonamtde sodium salt.

[29) A liquid, b.p. 4345C./0.2 mm. Analy calculated C. 30.8. H. 1.3; Found C. 30 9; H. L3.

[30) A liquid. b.pv 899lC./U.5 mm. Analy Calculated C. 29.7. H. l. Found (129.8. H. L1.

131 Prepared by oxidation of the compound of Example 97 (2-methylthiotrifluoromethancsulfonanilide) with one equivalent of hydrogen peroxide in acetone.

132) Prepared by reaction of the compound of Example I62 lcthyl N t4trifluoromethylsulfonamidophenyl)glycinatel with ammonia. [32A] Prepared by reduction of the compound of Example H6 with Rancy nickel and hydrogen followed by acctylalion with acetic anhydride.

[33) Prepared by oxidation of the compound of Example Ito (2,4-bistmethylthioltrifluoromethanesulfortanilidei with 4 equivalents of hydrogen peroxide in acetic acid.

(34) Prepared by reduction of the compound of Example 34 tl-nitrotrit'luoromethanesulfonanilide) with hydrogen over 5'1 palladium on charcoal.

(35] Prepared by reduction ot'the compound of Example 36 (4chloro-2nitrotrifluoromethanesulfortanilide) with hydrogen over 5% palladium on charcoal.

(36! Prepared by reduction of the compound of Example I03 t2.5dichloro-4-nitrotrifluoromethanesullonanilideI with hydrogen met 5'1 palladium on charcoal.

(37] Prepared by reaction of the compound of Example I04 l2-methoxytrifluorm'nethanesull'onanilideI with hydroiodic acid in acetic acid.

(38) Prepared by chlorination of the compound of Example 7 t4-lluorotrifluoromethancsulfonanilideI at I00 C, in glacial acetic acid. (39] Prepared by basic hydrolysis of methyl 4-tril'luoromethylsulfonamidophenylacetate.

(40] Prepared by reduction of the compound of Example I30 ('Lchloro-5-nitrotriHuoromethanesuli'onanilidc).

(4| I Prepared by chlorination of the compound of Example 5 l2-fluorotrifluoromethanesultonanilidel in acetic acid with aluminum chloride as catalyst.

t42| Prepared by reaction of the compound of Example 49 t3-hydroxytrifluoromethanesull'onamlidc) with methyl isncyanate (43! Prepared by reduction of the compound oi Example 33 tZnitrotrifluoromethanesult'onanilide) followed by acetylation (44) Prepared by reduction of the compound of Example I29 (2-methyl-5-nitrotrifluoromethanesulfonanillde] with hydrogen and Raney nickel.

(45) Prepared by reaction of the compound of Example 87 (4-hydroxytrit1uoromethanesuli'onanilide) with methyl isocyanate.

(4b) Prepared by reaction oi the compound of Example l5 (3 bron1otrifluoromethanesulfonanilide] with the copper salt of n-butanelhtol [47) A yellow liquid. b.p. l36"C./0.0l mm. Analysis: Calculated C. 42.4: H. 45. Found C. 42 5; H. 4.5.

148) b.p lOSC./3.5 mm.

(49] These compounds are prepared by the usual process (method A). The anilincs are obtained by reacting the known aminophenols with sodium hydride to form the pber olate salts. and reacting these salts with 2.2.2-trilluoroethyl tritluoromerhanesulfonate (50) Thi compound is prepared by the usual process 1 Method A). The anilines are obtained by reacting the known aminophenols with sodium hydride to form the phenolate salts. and reacting these salts with 2,2.2-tn'fluoroethyl trifluoromethanesult'onate.

(5 l This compound is prepared by the compound of Example I t4-acetyltrifluorornethanesult'onanilidei by the method disclosed in R. T. Shriner ct al.. "Systematic Identification of Organic Compounds". p. 254. Wiley. N.Y. H956).

152) This compound is prepared from the compound of Example 5 (Z-fluorotrit" ilide] by L in water (53) This compound is prepared from the compound of Example 49 (3-hydroxytrifluoromethartesulfonanilide) by reaction with tril'luorometl'tanesulfonyl chloride.

-continued (54) A colorless oil. b.p. I C./0.I mm. Analysis: Calculated C. 25.7; H. IA; N. 3.8; Found: C. 25.9; H. L4: N. 3.9.

I55) This compound is prepared from the compound of Example I) l4-trit ethanol-water.

L ilidc) by l (552) Prepared by reduction of the compound of Example 33 with Raney nickel and hydrogen. (56) This compound is prepared by the reaction of the compound of Example I36 l-amino-2-metbyltt'ifluoromethanesulfonanilide) with chloroucetyl chloride.

of F n L If (57) This compound is prepared by the oacetale. (Sill b.p. 85 C./(l.l5 mm.

of the c I59} This c mpound is prepared by the reaction of the compound of Example I3! lS amino-2-chlorotrifluoromethanesull'onanilideI.

I60] This compound is prepared by the l of the chloroacctyl chloride.

(60A) This compound is prepared by the reaction ofthe ethyl ehloroformate.

ilide l with ilide) with (6| This compound is prepared by reduction of the corresponding nitro compound which is prepared by Method A. (62) This compound is prepared by reduction of the corresponding compound of Example I74 l2 nitro4-trilluoromcthyltril'luoromethanesullonanilidcl I63] This compound is prepared by nfthc of F (64) A light yellow oil. b.p. 88 (.101 mm. Analysis: Calculated C. 28.4; H. I Z. N. 8.3; Found: C. 28.6; H. L2; N. 8.3.

(66) b.p. I 14 (.10.6 mm.

ilide] with ethyl (67) This compound is prepared by reaction of the compound of Example 169 t3-amino-d-methyltrilIuoromethanesulfonanilide) with acetic anhydride.

(68) Yellow crystals. b.p. 140 C./0.23 mm. Analysis: Calculated C. 32.7; H. 2.4; N. 5.5

Found C. 33.0; H. 2.4; N. 5.5.

(69) Clear liquid. b.p. 57 (.1013 mm. Analysis: Calculated C. 32.8; H. 1.7. Found C. 33.0: H. 1.7.

(70) Prepared by reaction of the compound of Example I73 (2aminM-trifluoromethyltrifluoromethanesullonanilide) with acetyl chloride in the presence of triethylamine in benzene. 0UP, byr oftlie drogen.

ll t4-chloro3-nitrotrifluorornethanesull'onanilide) with Raney nickel and by- EXAMPLE I96 2,4-Dichlorotrifluoromethanesulfonanilide was heated with calcium hydride in dimethoxyethane. then the solvent was removed and the calcium salt was recrystallized from dimethoxyethane/hexane. The product was recovered as a white hygroscopic solid melting above 275 C. The analytical results (C H,CaCl F,.

Example No. M.P. C.

I 88 isopropylammonium-2.4-dichlnmtrifluoromethanesull'onanilide I- I 46 I89 triethylammonium-2.4-dichlorotril'luoromethanesulfonanilide I 20- l 2 I .5 I90 methylammonium -2.4-dichlorotril'luoromethanesulfonanilide I46-I48 I 9 I dimethyIammonium-Z .4-dichlorotril'luoromethanesulfonanilide 80.5-83.5 I 92 di-n-decyIammonium-2.4-dichlorotrinuoromethanesuIfonanilide 43 .5-45 I93 2-mcthyl-2-pseudothioumnium 2.4-dichlorotril'luoromethanesultonanilide 96-975 EXAMPLE 194 2.4-Dichlorotrifluoromethanesulfonanilide (Example 3) was reacted with aqueous sodium hydroxide. Water was removed and the salt. sodium 2,4-dichlorotrifluoromethanesulfonanilide. purified by recrystallization from benzene/hexane. The product was recovered in the form of white flakes melting at I96.5-l97.5C. The analytical results (C H Cl F NaNO S) were as follows:

Calc: C. 26.6; H. I.0. Found: C, 26.6; H. I.2.

EXAMPLE 195 2.4-Dichlorotrifluoromethanesulfonanilide was heated with barium hydride in dimethoxyethane, then the solvent was removed and the barium salt recrystallized from dimethoxyethane/hexane. The product was recovered as a white solid melting above 300 C. The analytical results (C H,BaCI F,N,O S,) were as follows:

Calc: C. 23.3; H, 0.8. Found: C, 23.5; H, L0.

N,O S,) were as follows:

Calc. C, 26.9; H, I.0. Found: C. 26.9; H, I.3.

EXAMPLE I97 EXAMPLE I98 5-acctamido-2-methyltrifluoromethanesulfonanilide I equivalent) is reacted with diethanolamine (1 equivalent) to give diethanolammonium S-acetamido-Z- methyltrifluoromethanesulfonanilide.

EXAMPLE 199 EXAMPLE 21 l The compound of Example 199 was prepared by re- (METHOD C) acting compound of Example 1 with ecluin'lolal' Trifluoromethanesulfonamide (14.9 g., 0.10 mole), amount of aqueous sodium bicarbonate and removing potassium hydroxide (5.6 g., 0.10 mole) and ethanol the water to form the pure salt, sodium 4-acety1tri- (90 L) were h ated one hour at C. This reaction fluOr m tharle l f nanili as a While Powder melting mixture was evaporated to dryness in vacuo. A solution at 275 C. of 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (18.6 g., 0.10 mole) in di- Analysisi Cakulated for 9 7 3 3 methylsulfoxide ml.) was added, the mixture was FOUndI l0 stirred at about 60 C. for one day, water was added and the mixture was refrigerated. The solid product,

EXAMPLE 200 sodium 2,4-dinitrotrifluoromethanesulfonanilide hy- The C mP Imd of Example 48 react d ith an drate was recrystallized from ethanol, m.p. 188-l92 equimolar amount of aqueous sodium bicarbonate and C. water was removed to form pure 3-acetyltrifluorome- 15 Analy i Calculated for C.,H F NaN -,O-,S; C, 23.7; H. thanesulfonanilide as a white solid. 1,4; N, 11.8. Found: C, 23.0; H, 1.1; N. 11.0.

Analysis: Calculated for C,H-;F;,NaNO S: C, 37.4; H, The following table includes a number of additional Folmdi compounds of the invention which have also been pre- Compounds in which the perfluoroalkyl group is varpared by Method A except as otherwise noted.

Example No. M.P. C.

212 2-methyl-5-propionamidotrifluoromethanesulfonanilide (75) 1805-182 213 4-acetamido-2-methyltrifluoromethanesulfonanilide (76) 1585-160 (75] Prepared by reaction of the compound of Example 13b with propionyl chloride. (76] Prepared by acetylation of the compound of Example 73 with acetic anhydridc.

ied are shown in the following examples which are pres- The following compounds of the invention are preented in table form. Unless otherwise specified, the pared using Method A:

Example No.

214 S-chloro-Z-methyltrifluoromethanesull'onanilide. mp. 86-88 215 3-ethylthiotri1luoromethanesulfonanilide, b.p. 1013-1101008 mm.. m.p. 42.5-46 216 4-ethylthiotrilluoromethanesulfonanilide. mp. 32-34 217 3-isopropylthiotrifluoromethanesulfonanilide. b.p. -124/02 mm. 218 3-chloro-2-methy1trifluoromethanesulfonanilide. m.p. 1 16-1 18 219 2-bromo-4-methylsull'onyltrifluoromethanesulfonanilide. mp. 143-145 220 4-N.N-dimethylsulfamoyltrifluoromethanesulfonanilide. mp 174-176 221 4-(N.N-dimethylsu1famoyl)-2-methyltrifluoromethanesulfonanilide. mp. 163-165 222 2-methyl-4-( N-methylsulfamoyl)tril'luoromelhanesulfonaniIide. mp. -138 223 3-(N.N-dimethylsulfamoyl)trifluoromcthanesulfonanilide, mp. 105-108 224 3-(N-melhylsulfamoyl)trifluoromethanesulfonanilide. m.p. 98-100 225 5-(N.N-dimethylsull'amoyl)-2-methyltril'luoromethanesulfonanilide. m.p. 150-160 226 3-n-propylthiotrifluoromethanesulfonanilide. hp. 1 15-121/5 mm. 227 Z-(N-methylcarbamyl )trifluoromethanesulfonanilide. mp. 91-96 228 2-(N.N-diethylcarbamyl)trifluoromethanesulfonanilide, mp. 116-119 229 3-(methoxyrnethylthio)lrifluoromethanesull'onanilide. b.p. CJ5 mm. 230 3-(N.N-dimethylsulfamoylamino )tritluoromethanesulfonanilide. m.p. I29-l 33 compounds set out in the table have been prepared The following compounds are prepared by oxidation using Method A from known starting materials. The of the corresponding alkylthio compounds with hydromelting points are uncorrected. gen peroxide in acetic acid. One equivalent of hydro- 50 Example No. M.P.C.

201 4-chloroperfluoro-n-butanesulfonanilide 76-78 202 2.4-difluoroperfluoroisopropanesulfonanilide 67.5-68.5 203 4-methylthioperfluoro-n-butanesulfonanilide 89-905 204 2.4-difluoroperfluoro-n-bulanesulfonanilide 39.5-40.5 205 2.4-difluoroperfluoroethanesulfonanilide 33-35 206 4-methylsulfinylperfluoroethanesulfonanilide (72) 162-1615 207 4-trifluoromethylperfluoroethanesulfonanilide 75-77 208 4-methylsulfonylperfluoroethanesulfonanilide (73) 122-123 209 2 .4-dich1oroperfluoroethanesull'onanilide 51-5 2 210 4-methylthioperfluoroethanesulfonanilide (74) gen peroxide was used for Example 231 and two equivalents for Examples 232, 233 and 234.

Example No.

231 3-ethylsulfinyltrifluoromethanesull'onanilide. mp. ll8-l20 232 3-ethylsulfonyltrifluoromethanesulfonanilide. mp. 68-71 233 3-npropylsulfonyItrilluoromethanesulfonanilide. mp. 106-110 234 d-ethylsulfonyltrifluoromethanesulfonanilide. m.p. 135-137 HERBlClDA L ACTIVITY Grasses Giant Foxtail (Selarr'a faberii) Barnyard grass (Echinnchlua crusgalh') Crabgrass (Digitaria ischaemum) Quackgrass (Agropyron repens) Broadlcaves Pigweed (Amaranrlius rermflexus) Purslane (Portulaca oleracea) Wild Mustard (Brassica kaber) Wild lVlorning Glory (Convolvulus ari'ensis) Two species were planted per row to allow for easier identification of the grass species as they emerge. 250 mg. of the test chemical was dissolved in acetone or another suitable solvent and then diluted with 125 ml. water to give a concentration of 2.000 ppm. From this concentration. 60 ml. was diluted to 240 ml. to give a final concentration of 500 ppm. Eighty mi. of this solution was added to a 6 inch pot to give a concentration equivalent to 20 lbs/acre. All subsequent waterings were made from the bottom. Two pots were used per treatment. Data were taken two to three weeks after treatment and recorded as percent kill for each species compared to the untreated controls.

1n order to assess post-emergence activity, the same weed mixture as described above was used. The mixture was planted in X 5 inch boxes and allowed to grow from 2 to 3 weeks depending on the time of the year. The plants were treated when the grasses were approximately 1 to 3 inches and the broadleaves 1% inches tall. Duplicate boxes were sprayed one at a time with a concentrate sprayer (DeVilbis) for approximately seconds or until good wetting of the leaf surfaces occurred. The chemicals were prepared as described above but utilizing only the 2,000 ppm. concentrations. Data were taken two to three weeks after treatment and recorded as percent kill for each species compared to the untreated controls. Results are presented in the following tables as an average of the activity observed for the 4 grasses and for 4 broadleaves in the preand post-emergence tests.

Compound Grasses. 3% Kill Broadleaf. it Kill Desig- Pre- Post- Pre Postnation emergence emergence emergence emergence 2 100 0 90 12 3 100 6 100 3 95 98 5 95 0 O 50 7 100 0 100 100 8 30 0 100 75 9 100 0 100 100 10 100 0 lot) 100 l 1 I00 52 100 I00 1 l 92 I00 13* 60 30 100 100 14 100 0 I00 100 15 62 0 100 BO 16 O 0 I00 100 17 98 75 I00 100 18 0 0 I00 98 19 97 0 I00 92 20* 50 0 I00 98 21* 20 0 95 B7 22* 0 I00 100 23 50 47 I00 100 24 100 0 100 100 25 92 50 82 50 26 100 50 I00 27 50 O 75 2B 87 O 90 0 29 90 0 I00 100 33 4O 0 74 I2 34 0 0 72 25 35 0 0 75 50 37 0 25 50 100 38 0 0 87 44 39 95 0 I00 0 40 50 0 100 60 41 50 0 100 45 42 95 90 23 100 43 100 20 100 74 44 100 50 100 63 46 100 25 100 38 47 100 O 70 30 52 62 0 72 0 62 I00 0 100 I2 188' I00 100 I89 I00 98 190" I00 100 19] I00 I00 194 I00 I00 I94 90 95 25 0 88 0 I81 10 0 5O 0 I82 0 0 35 0 Vi rate of lrcalment "Vi rate of treatment The preferred plant growth regulating compounds of the invention show interesting and useful effects in one or more species of plants. The compound S-acetamido- 2-methyltrifluoromethanesulfonanilide is a preferred compound for the treatment of turf species. Said compound is formulated as the diethanolamine salt. 2 pounds per gallon of water in solution. The formulation should be applied on turf at rates of 1.0 to 2.0 gallons per acre in 40 to 80 gallons of water. Both warm and cool season species have responded with good vegetative growth inhibition and seedhead suppression. Vegetative inhibition lasting more than six weeks has resulted from a single application. Slight discoloration of short duration may be evident at recommended rates. Uniformity of growth suppression is dependent on thoroughness of coverage, therefore, the use of a sprayer which gives an even spray pattern and which can be accurately calibrated is desirable.

Grasses which have responded favorably include the following:

bahiagrass, Paspalum noratum Fleugge.

bentgrass, Agrosn's palustris Huds.

bermudagrass, Cynodon dactylon (L) Pers.

bluegrass, Poa pratensis L., P. annua L. dallisgrass, Paspalum dilatatum Poir.

fescue. Festuca rubra L. F. arundinacea Schreb. orchardgrass. Dacrylis glomerara L.

quackgrass, Agropyron repens (L.) Beauv. ryegrass, Lolium perenne L.

St. Augustinegrass, Srenoraphrum secundatum (Walt.) Kuntze zoysiagrass, Zoysia sp. Willd.

St. Augustinegrass, several cultivars of bluegrass. and tall fescue have responded best to the compounds with excellent top growth inhibition and seedhead suppression. Bentgrass and some cultivars of ryegrass have been injured with the compound.

The compound has induced marked growth and flower inhibition of white clover and alfalfa. Dandelion flower and seedhead formation has been significantly reduced. Dichondra has shown tolerance to the compound.

Using 5-acetamido-Z-methyltrifluoromethanesulfonanilide, foliar sprays and soil drenches on tree species and woody ornamentals have given growth suppression of privet, boxwood, Monterey pine, oleander, cotoneaster, sycamore and ash. Concentration of 500 to 5,000 parts per million (based on the free acid (nonsalt) form of the compound) are applied during periods of rapid growth.

The treatment of soybeans and sugar cane with 5- acetamido-2-methyltrifluoromethanesulfonanilide has been found to increase yield in these crops.

in a series of tests carried out in Hawaii, the compound 5-acetamido-2-methyltrifluoromethanesulfonanilide formulated as the diethanolamine salt, 2 pounds per gallon of water, was applied to mature sugar cane up to eight weeks before harvest.

The compound provided yield increases of up to 50 percent of crude sugar in screening tests.

When applied aerially at rates of 2, 4 and 6 pounds of active ingredient per acre using 5 to gallons of aqueous solution per acre, consistent increases in yield were obtained. These increases in yield generally were maximized when the cane was harvested at least 8 weeks after treatment.

The use of preferred compounds of the invention as herbicides, i.e. plant growth terminators, for various weed species has been carried out experimentally in the field using several types of formulations. Two types of formulations have been found to be particularly useful alternatives depending on the needs of the user and equipment available to the user of the herbicide.

The most broadly utilized formulation is a wettable powder, generally 25 or 50 percent by weight of the active ingredient. The inert diluent most commonly used has been a kaolin clay. About I percent of a wetting agent such as a lignosulfonate is used. These lignosulfonates are available as byproducts of the paper pulp industry and are well-known to those skilled in the art. The formulations are applied to the soil surface. generally at planting as preemergence herbicides. A wellagitated mixture of about 40 to 50 gallons of water and wettable powder combined is applied at rates of about 0.5 to 10 pounds of active ingredient per acre.

Another preferred formulation is an emulsifiable concentrate. A mixture of 2 or 4 pounds of active ingredient per gallon of, for example, xylene is prepared. About 1 percent of an emulsifying agent is generally used. Application of a well-agitated emulsion of 40 to 50 gallons of water and concentrate combined per acre is applied at rates of about 0.5 to 10 pounds of active ingredient per acre. The formulations are applied as preemergence herbicides to the soil surface at planting.

Crops which have been successfully treated with one or more herbicides of the invention include cotton, peanuts. soybeans, corn and grain sorghum. Successfully treated means good weed control is achieved without significant injury to the crop.

Heavy soils with slower drainage and high organic content require less active ingredient.

All of the compounds exemplified and for which physical constants have been provided herein of the present invention have been tested at various rates as herbicides and/or plant growth regulators. A variety of weed species and crops, many of which are specifically mentioned herein have been used to detect herbicidal and/or plant growth regulating activity. All of the compounds of the invention are active at rates ranging from 0.1 to 40 pounds per acre against one or more indicator species.

Included among the presently preferred herbicidal compounds of the invention are the compounds of Examples 214 through 234. These compounds have shown particularly interesting activity as herbicides in greenhouse testing, and some have also been tested in the field and found to be active.

Compounds containing the sulfamoyl group. such as N-loweralkylsulfamoyl and N,N-diloweralkylsulfamoyl are presently among the preferred compounds of the invention.

Compounds containing the sulfamoylamino group. such as N,N-diloweralkylsulfamoylamino are presently preferred compounds of the invention.

Compounds containing the alkoxyalkylthio group, particularly lower alkoxy lower alkylthio are presently preferred compounds of the invention.

What is claimed is:

l. The method for modifying the growth of sugar cane which comprises contacting sugar cane plants with an effective amount of S-acetamido-Z-methyltrifluoromethanesulfonanilide, or an alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, alkyl amine, dialkanolamine. ammonium. zinc, iron or aluminum salt thereof thereby increasing the yield of sugar upon harvest.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the sugar cane plants are contacted with S-acetamido-Z-methyltrifluoromethanesulfonanilide prior to harvest.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the sugar cane plants are contacted with an alkali metal salt of 5- acetamido-2-methyltrifluoromethanesulfonanilide prior to harvest.

4. The method of claim 3 wherein the sugar cane plants are contacted with the sodium salt of 5- acetamido-2-methyltrifluoromethanesulfonanilide prior to harvest.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the sugar cane plants are contacted with a dialkanolamine salt of 5- acetamido-2-methyltrifluoromethanesulfonanilide prior to harvest.

6. The method of claim 5 wherein the sugar cane plants are contacted with the diethanolamine salt of 5- acetamido-2-methyltrifluoromethanesulfonanilide prior to harvest. 

1. THE METHOD FOR MODIFYING THE GROWTH OF SUGAR CANE WHICH COMPRISES CONTACTING SUGAR CANE PLANTS WITH AN EFFECTIVE AMOUNT OF 5-ACETAMIDE-2-METHYLTRIFLUOROMETHANESULFONANILIDE, OR AN ALKALI METAL, ALKALINE EARTH METAL, ALKYL AMINE, DIALKANOLAMINE, AMMONIUM, ZINC IRON OR AUMINUM SALT THEREOF THEREBY INCREASING THE YIELD OF SUGAR UPON HARVEST.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the sugar cane plants are contacted with 5-acetamido-2-methyltrifluoromethanesulfonanilide prior to harvest.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein the sugar cane plants are contacted with an alkali metal salt of 5-acetamido-2-methyltrifluoromethanesulfonanilide prior to harvest.
 4. The method of claim 3 wherein the sugar cane plants are contacted with the sodium salt of 5-acetamidO-2-methyltrifluoromethanesulfonanilide prior to harvest.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein the sugar cane plants are contacted with a dialkanolamine salt of 5-acetamido-2-methyltrifluoromethanesulfonanilide prior to harvest.
 6. The method of claim 5 wherein the sugar cane plants are contacted with the diethanolamine salt of 5-acetamido-2-methyltrifluoromethanesulfonanilide prior to harvest. 